Abstract
Plants from arid zones of Mexico are an interesting source of phytochemicals that exhibit a large number of biological properties. In this context, Rhus microphylla (Rm) and Myrtillocactus geometrizans (Mg) fruits have been used as folk remedies and to make traditional foods, respectively; however, studies on their composition and bioactivity are limited. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the yields, phenolic composition, and bioactive properties (scavenging and reducing capacities, antiproliferative, and antifungal) of aqueous and hydroalcohol extracts of Rm and Mg fruits obtained by conventional agitation and ohmic heating (OH). The results showed that the Rm fruit extracts had the highest total phenolic content (TPC) values and the strongest scavenging and reducing capacities compared to those of Mg fruits, being characterized by the presence of gallic acid, while the composition of the Mg extracts varied with respect to the extraction conditions used. Regarding antifungal activity in vitro against two phytopathogenic fungi, Rhizopus stolonifer and Fusarium oxysporum, the hydroalcohol extracts obtained by conventional agitation of both plants (RmH-C and MgH-C) showed the best inhibitory effect, respectively. Interestingly, none of the extracts under study presented cytotoxicity against the noncancerous ARPE-19 cell line, while three extracts of Rm fruit exhibited a moderate antiproliferative activity against HeLa (cancerous) cell line. These findings reveal for the first time the potential of Rm and Mg fruits as a new source of bioactive compounds for future industrial applications.
Highlights
IntroductionBioactive compounds (BCs) are produced by the secondary metabolism of plants, mainly as part of their defense system, as a barrier against pathogen agents and extreme climatic conditions [1]
The maximum yields (p < 0.05) for Rhus microphylla (Rm) fruits were obtained by conventional agitation, in addition these conditions allowed a higher recovery of total phenolic content (TPC) with values of 75.34 ± 6.48 and 62.00 ± 3.34 mg gallic acid (GA)/g extract using aqueous and hydroalcohol solution as extracting agents, respectively
Lower yields were observed with the application of ohmic heating (OH), but when it was combined with hydroalcohol solution and extraction time of 10 min (RmH-OH10) presented a noteworthy value of TPC (41.37 ± 4.25 mg GA/g extract)
Summary
Bioactive compounds (BCs) are produced by the secondary metabolism of plants, mainly as part of their defense system, as a barrier against pathogen agents and extreme climatic conditions [1]. Depending on their nature (e.g., phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, carotenoids, among others), the BCs can have different functions in the plant [2,3,4]. Recent studies have been directed to elucidate the potentialities of the BCs, especially as therapeutic agents in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries [6], and as preservatives, colorants, fertilizers, and antimicrobials in the agrifood industry [7]
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